Synonym Chooser

How is the word chaste distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of chaste are decent, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How are the words modest and decent related as synonyms of chaste?

Both modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

How do pure and chaste relate to one another?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

Examples of chaste in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This chaste encounter unleashes in Norah a passion for art and, by extension, for a better life away from the village. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 17 May 2024 In one instance during the demo, cast member Charlie—a girl-next-door type who is more chaste than a few of the others—specifically requests that the player cut down on any shots of the cast’s ass. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 4 Apr. 2024 Birth is a chaste romantic fantasy that sinks into something like tragedy. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Most powerful men of the time — including her husband — kept mistresses, had illegitimate children, or indulged in libertine behavior on a scale that would make Catherine seem almost chaste. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chaste 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chaste.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near chaste

Cite this Entry

“Chaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chaste. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on chaste

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